MA3000

E R I E Z

M E T A L A R M
MA3000 SERIES

METAL

DETECTOR

Description of Installation and Operation

SERIAL NUMBER: 81447

CHECKED BY:
DATE:

DOCUMENT No: IOM-MA-3000

REVISION: A
ERIEZ MAGNETICS EUROPE LIMITED
BEDWAS HOUSE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE BEDWAS CAERPHILLY CF83 8YG
UNITED KINGDOM TEL. +44 (0) 2920 868501 FAX. +44 (0) 2920 851314
ERIEZ METALARM

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Table of Contents
1.0

INTRODUCTION

2.0

INSTALLATION
2.1
Control Unit Mounting
2.2
Search coil Mounting
2.2.1 Underbelt TR Coil (Flat Pack)
2.2.2 TR10 Coil
2.2.3 Bridge Coil
2.2.4 U section belt conveyors or vibrator conveyors
2.2.5 Plate Coil

3.0

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
3.1
Power Supply
3.2
Sensor Coil Connections
3.3
Control Relay Contacts
3.4
Fuse

4.0

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
4.1
Indicator Lights
4.2
Sensitivity Adjustment
4.3
Signal Level Indicator
4.4
Electronic Board Mounted Switches

5.0

ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD REPLACEMENT

6.0

WIRING TO THE CONVEYOR MOTOR CONTACTOR

7.0

AUXILIARY RELAY
7.1
Auxiliary Relay Wiring

8.0

EARTHING OF ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT WHEN FREQUENCY INVERTER SPEED CONTROLS ARE

BEING USED

9.0

SUGGESTIONS FOR TROUBLE SHOOTING ENVIRONMENTAL INTERFERENCE

9.1
Movement of Metal
9.2
Intermittent Loops of metal surrounding the sensor
9.3
Excessive line voltage fluctuations
9.4
Proximity of severe RF radiation source

10.0

PARTS LIST

11.0

TECHNICAL DATA

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METALARM 3000 CE
1.0

INTRODUCTION

The METALARM (MA) 3000 Metal Detector, consists of a control unit, one or more sensor coils
dependent upon the application and optional accessories such as the sack dropper.
The optional QUARRYMASTER version of the control unit is constructed from stainless steel and is fitted
with an anti condensation heater & thermostat for frost protection. The thermostat is normally set to
+5C.
These instructions are concerned with the installation and operation of the control unit, sensor coils
and accessories.

Figure 1

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2.0

INSTALLATION

2.1

Control Unit Mounting

The MA3000 control unit is supplied with HDPE (high density polyurethane) mounting brackets for wall
mounting. Dimensions are shown in the diagram, Figure 1.
Ideally the control unit should be mounted within 3-5 metres of the sensor coil unit and no more than
20 metres.
The MA3000 control unit will normally be mounted by means of four M8 or 5/16 inch bolts utilizing the
four mounting holes.
Adequate clearance must be allowed below the control unit enclosure to allow for cable entry and
exit.
On no account must the HDPE mounting brackets be replaced, as these are provided to electrically
isolate the control unit from the metal conveyor framework. Similarly no metal work should be in
contact with the metal control unit case after mounting on the conveyor.
Failure to comply with the above mounting procedures will invalidate the 'CE' certificate covering
the EMC regulations.
2.2

Search Coil Mounting

The following instructions give details of how to install the various types of standard search coils
supplied as part of the Metalarm Metal Detector.
2.2.1
A)

Underbelt TR (Flatpack) Coil - Idler Conveyors (figure 2)

Locate a suitable position in the conveyor mid way between two idler sets where:
1. There will not be a return idler or cross piece beneath the search coil.
2. There is no join in the conveyor frame
3. Metal when detected can easily be removed from the conveyor belt
4. There is no moving metal in the vicinity
5. Where any metal base plate present can be removed or replaced by non metallic material.
6. Where any metal over-belt covers can be removed or replaced

B)

Place the search coil on the conveyor frame at the chosen position. There should be at least a
25mm (1 inch) gap between the underneath of the (fully loaded) conveyor belt and the top
of the search coil. If not cut out notches in the bottom of the search coil at all four corners so
as to lower the search coil within the conveyor frame.

C)

Brackets to hold the search coil to the conveyor frame (not supplied) should be fitted to the
coil to secure it to the conveyor stringers.

D)

The search coil should then be bolted to the conveyor frame so that the coil socket is on the
opposite side of the conveyor frame to any heavy duty cables.

E)

The idlers either side of the search coil should be checked to see that all nuts and bolts have
been tightened down. Ideally the idler frames should also be spot welded once at each of
the four corners to the conveyor frame.

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The cable to connect the search coil to the control unit should then be plugged into the
underneath of the search coil and run back to the control unit. The cable should be tied down so it
does not get damaged.
SENSOR COIL PLATES

CO-AX CABLE TO
METALARM CONTROL
UNIT

SIDE SUPPORT PLATES

SMALL ANGLE BRACKETS
(NOT SUPPLIED)

CONVEYOR STRINGER

Figure 2
2.2.2

TR10 Type Search Coil Idler Conveyors (figure 2A)

Follow the instructions as listed in section 2.2.1 points A-E for the coil location & installation.
This type of coil configuration is designed for transmit/receive mode operation only and both coils
are connected directly to the control unit. See section 3.2 (sensor coil connections) and figure 2A
below. Remember in both cases to make sure the cables are tied to the conveyor frame to prevent
them being damaged.
RECEIVER COIL

TRANSMITTER COIL

SMALL ANGLE BRACKETS

(NOT SUPPLIED)

SIDE SUPPORT PLATES

CENTRE SUPPORT PLATE

CONVEYOR STRINGER

Figure 2A
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2.2.3 Bridge Type Search Coil - Idler Conveyors (figure 2B)

A) Locate a suitable position in the conveyor mid way between two idler sets where:
1. There will not be a return idler or cross piece beneath the search coil.
2. There is not a join in the conveyor frame
3. Metal when detected can easily be removed from the conveyor belt
4. There is no moving metal in the vicinity
5. Where any metal base plate present can be removed or replaced by non metallic material.
6. Where any metal over-belt covers can be removed or replaced.
B)

Assemble the lower coil on the side supports & place on the conveyor frame at the chosen
position. There should be at least a 25mm (1 inch) gap between the underneath of the (fully
loaded) conveyor belt and the top of the search coil. If not cut out notches in the bottom of
the search coil at all four corners so as to lower the search coil within the conveyor frame.

C) Brackets to hold the search coil to the conveyor frame (not supplied) should be fitted to the coil
to secure it to the conveyor stringers.
D)

The search coil should be mounted on the conveyor frame so that the coil socket is on the
opposite side of the conveyor frame to any heavy duty cables.

E)

Fit top search coil section and bolt down

F)

The idlers either side of the search coil should be checked to see that all nuts and bolts have
been tightened down. Ideally the idler frames should also be spot welded once at each of the
four corners to the conveyor frame.

In the case of series connection, connect the lower coil using the short length of cable provided
using the unmarked socket on the top coil. The cable to connect the search coil to the control unit
should then be plugged into the socket marked CU on the top search coil and run back to the
control unit. See 3.2
In the case of transmit/receive mode operation; both coils are connected direct to the control unit.
See 3.2. Remember, in both cases make sure the cables are tied to the conveyor frame to prevent
them being damaged.
RECEIVER COIL

SMALL ANGLE BRACKETS

(NOT SUPPLIED)

SIDE SUPPORT PLATES

TRANSMITTER COIL

CONVEYOR STRINGER

Figure 2B
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2.2.4 U Section belt conveyors or vibrator conveyors - Search coils (figure 3/4)
A) Locate a suitable position in the conveyor where there is going to be no metal within 500mm of
the underneath of the search coil when it is mounted onto the conveyor. Simultaneously there
is no moving metal in close proximity to the search coil. In the case of vibrator conveyor the coil
is usually located midway between two of the vertical supports.
B)

To install a trough coil, it is necessary to cut out a length of the base and part of the side walls of
the conveyor. The dimensions of the required cut out can be found by measuring the recessed
area of the search coil.
COUNTERSINK FROM INNER
SURFACES OF TROUGH

DRILL MOUNTING HOLES

ALONG THIS PATH

REMOVE
TROUGH

SECTION VIEW

SECTION

FROM

CUT OUT LENGTH

RECESSED AREA

SENSOR COIL
CUT OUT HEIGHT

Figure 3
C) Draw a line 25mm from the edge of the cut out. Along this line drill M8 holes at 100mm (4 inches)
spacing or longer depending upon the weight and width of the search coil. Countersink the
holes from inside the conveyor.
D)

Locate the search coil into the cut out and clamp into position. Then using the trough as a
template spot mark through the holes from the inside of the trough directly onto the coil.

E)

Fix the search coil into position using countersunk M8 bolts x 40mm long, shakeproof washers,
and nuts.

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F)

The cable to connect the search coil to the control unit should then be plugged into the
underneath of the search coil and run back to the control unit. The cable should be tied down
so it does not get damaged.

UNDERSIDE VIEW

CO-AX CABLE TO
METALARM CONTROL
UNIT

M8 FIXINGS

Figure 4

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2.2.5

Plate Coil (figure 5)

Plate coils can either be mounted beneath a pre-prepared metal free section such as wood or
fiberglass, or providing the plate coil is an SF or SFC type directly onto the base of a metal sided
conveyor.
In the latter case if the base of the conveyor is metal this must be removed for the length of the coil
plus 3mm.
The search coil can be drilled into or through in any of the crossed areas shown below as long as it is
a minimum of 25mm away from the coil windings.
SECTION VIEW

SENSOR COIL

CONVEYOR STRINGER

CONVEYOR BELT

SENSOR COIL

DRILL
FRONT VIEW
COIL WINDINGS

Figure 5
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3.0

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS - (See Figure 6.)

The standard electrical connections are for power supply connections and for sensor coil
connections. Other cables may be added as necessary for control and monitoring functions.
Please note where armoured cables are being used, the armouring must be cut back at the gland
plate of the control unit such that it does not touch the Metal Detector Control Unit, as this will
compromise the electrical isolation of the Control Unit.
This also applies to electrical trunking.

230

OPTIONAL
FAULT
RELAY CONNECTION
TB2

TB1

TB3

10

11

12

N/C C N/O N/C C N/O N/C C N/O N/C C N/O

TB4

DETECT LIGHT

RESET SWITCH

DETECT RELAY

POWER LIGHT

MAINS POWER

DC PSU INPUT

EXT FAULT INPUT (+5VDC)

SENSOR COILS
SW4 POSITION
1: SINGLE COIL CONNECTION (TX)
2: SECOND COIL CONNECTION (RX)

AUXILIARY TERMINAL

Figure 6
3.1

Power Supply

The mains connection is made via the terminal block TB1 using 'E' for earth/ground connection,
either of the 'L' terminals for live 1/positive connection and either of the 'N' terminals for live 2/neutral
connection.
The spare 'L', N and 'E' terminals can be used for driving external controls or the bag dropper
accessory for example.
The Voltage Selector Switch should be set to 230VAC or 115VAC as required. This is located just
above the connector TB1.
DIN RAIL TERMINAL
BLOCK

(-)

2
3

OPTIONAL: If the system has been requested to operate

from a DC voltage, the input voltage must be within the
range 18-30VDC.
The input supply should be applied to the DIN rail terminal
block mounted in the bottom of the control unit at the
terminals listed below.
2 NEGATIVE SUPPLY (0V GREEN/YELLOW)
5 POSITIVE SUPPLY (FUSED TERMINAL)

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(+)

LINE

LOAD

NOTE The DIN rail terminals are not fitted in the standard
mains (AC) powered units.

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3.2

Sensor Coil Connections

The sensor coil connection is made via the right hand 4 way terminal block TB4. When only one coil
is used, or a Bridge coil is being used with coils in series, connect to terminals 3 & 4.
The inner conductor is connected to terminal 'C' and the outer braiding to terminal
For applications where two coil windings are being used and there are two coil cables, i.e. separate
transmitter and receiver coils; the search coil with the coil socket marked RX should be connected
to TB4 1 and 2 and the search coil with coil socket marked TX should be connected to TB4 3 and 4.
Note:

Switch 4 should be moved to position 2, when in transmitter/receiver mode (TX/RX).

3.3
Control Relay Contacts
Connection to the output contacts of the control relay are made to terminal block (TB2) as
indicated in drawing Figure 6. Four sets of SPDT relay contacts are provided.
In the instance of the optional FAULT relay being fitted, then terminals 10, 11 & 12 of TB2 are used for
this signal. This leaves three sets of SPDT relay contacts for the DETECT signal on TB2 (terminals 1-9).
Note that the FAULT relay operates in a fail-safe mode so when power is applied to the control
unit, it will change state.
The contacts are rated for 5 amps resistive, for either low voltage DC application or for a maximum
of 250V ac application.
3.4

Fuse

Please note there is only one fuse on this Control Unit, located on the front panel and rated at
500mA (230VAC) or 1A (115VAC) A/S.
4.0

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS - (See Figure 7.)

E E N N L L

Figure 7
Switch on the line power and the 'ON' lamp on the case door illuminates.
The red 'FAULT' light will be on if the sensor coil is not connected. When the sensor is properly
connected the light will extinguish.
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Note: The illuminated fault light will also cause the 'Detect' lamp to be on.
Rotate the SET ZERO control fully clockwise. If the right hand light illuminates, rotate the Set Zero
control anti-clockwise until this light extinguishes and the green light illuminates.
This adjustment compensates or zeros out any near by metal in the sensor coil detect area. If this
light cannot be illuminated there may be too much metal near the sensor coil. This can be
confirmed by positioning the sensor coil away from all surrounding metal and repeating the test.
After these adjustments, the detector may have operated illuminating the 'Detect' light and the
'Reset' lamp on the detector door. Pressing the 'Reset' lamp button will extinguish both lights.
The Relay switch controls the relay function. In the OFF position only the 'Detect light and door
'Reset' lamp operate when metal is present in the sensing area.
In the ON position, the 4 pole DPDT relay, the 'Detect' light and the door 'Reset' lamp operate when
metal is present in the sensing area.
In the LATCH position, the relay and above indicators operate but after the metal is removed, the
relay and the indicators remain on until either the door 'Reset' button is pressed or the 'Relay' switch
is turned to the ON or OFF position.
The 'Sensitivity' control is a gain adjustment control to adjust for the detection of the desired size of
material or to allow for smaller pieces of material to be ignored.
4.1

Indicator Lights

SET ZERO
When the Metalarm is operating and correctly set, the green light of these three lights is the only one
illuminated.
If a piece of metal passing across the Sense coil is large enough it will cause the green light to go
out and the right hand red light to come on while the metal is within the detect range of the Sense
coil.
DETECT
This red light illuminates whenever metal is within the detect range of the Metalarm.
COIL FAULT
This red light illuminates if the sensor is either open circuit, not connected or short circuited.
This light also causes the Detect light to illuminate to prevent operation of the Metalarm until the coil
fault is rectified.
Normally, the Metalarm control unit should not require any major re-adjustments after performing
the adjustments during installation. After switching the control unit on, the green 'Set Zero' light
should illuminate immediately without the need to turn the 'Set Zero' control. Proper operation may
be verified by depressing the 'Test' button, which is mounted on the electronic circuit board
beneath the front panel.
Certain extremely large objects may produce an overload signal causing the unit to indicate
continuously even after the object has passed clear of the sensor coil. Depress the 'Reset' button to
cancel the indication.
NOTE:
Although the control unit will adequately zero out stationary masses of background metal, it will
respond to moving metal near the sensor coil. When mounting the sensor coil, consideration should
not be limited to only large objects such as fork lift trucks, but should be extended to smaller objects
such as maintenance workers carrying metal tools and equipment in the vicinity.
Although the metal detector system is suppressed against both airborne and power supply
interference, some false alarms may nevertheless occur occasionally. Such triggering is usually due
to transient effects, which are both infrequent and unpredictable.
Metallic framework encircling the search coil can act as a "shorted turn". It may be necessary to
insert insulating sections to prevent comparatively small masses of metal generating inordinately
large background signals.
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4.2

Sensitivity Adjustment

The 'Sensitivity' controls permit sensitivity adjustments for detecting or rejecting the desired size of
objects. Rotate the 'Sensitivity' control clockwise to increase the Metalarm sensitivity or counterclockwise to decrease the sensitivity.
A coarse sensitivity adjustment (VR1) may be performed by means of the sensitivity adjustment
control on the control unit printed circuit board (see figure 8). Extreme care must be used in
performing the coarse sensitivity adjustment. Consult the factory prior to making any coarse
sensitivity adjustments.
NOTE:
Take particular care, as with the mains supply connected parts of the printed circuit board will be
carrying high voltages. Therefore DO NOT touch anything other than the coarse sensitivity control
you are adjusting.
Rotating the coarse sensitivity adjustment control in the clockwise direction may reduce the
sensitivity of the control unit. Rotate this control one section at a time, checking each time to
determine whether the gain has been reduced sufficiently.
After each coarse sensitivity adjustment, it may be necessary to rezero the internal lights using the
'Set Zero' control and depress the reset button on the enclosure door.
4.3

Signal Level Indicator

This consists of a row of ten LEDs, which light in sequence from left to right, as the detected signal
level increases when metal approaches the sensor. Normally none or perhaps the first 1 or 2 LEDs
on the left side may be flicking ON and OFF and the last LED on the right side will be constantly ON.
Upon detection of metal each LED starting from the left will individually illuminate until the last two
LEDs on the right hand side are ON. This will mean that metal has been detected and the LEDs will
then revert back to the normal position (stated previously). However, if the Metalarm is suffering
from 'false alarms' which are of a fairly regular nature, then this indicator should be examined, since
it may show more than the first one or two indicators flickering ON and OFF indicating the presence
of some interference which is either mains or airborne. Rotating VR10 clockwise may reduce the
effects of this. The signal level should now move to the left until only 1 or 2 indicators are on. Care
should be taken to not rotate this control further than necessary, since it does reduce the sensitivity
of the unit.
The setting for this control can be measured with a voltmeter between test points TP0 and TP19. The
default value is 180mV.

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4.4

Electronic Board - Mounted switches - (See Figure 8.)

SW1

Figure 8
For the position of the switches, which control additional optional features, refer to figure 8 above.
SW1

Selection of voltage - 115V or 230V 50Hz or 60Hz AC

SW2

(1) Brown - This prevents the metal detector being reset when metal is still in the field of the
search coil - Can only be used when the conveyor belt stops immediately after metal is
detected - to ensure all metal has been removed before the conveyor belt can be
restarted.
(2) Red -Fail Safe Operation. - This powers up the 'Detect' relay immediately power is
connected to the control unit rather than when metal is detected. When metal is detected
therefore the 'Detect' relay drops out. Similarly if power to the unit fails the relay also drops
out - creating a fail safe mode.
All controls on SW2 are off in the 'up' position and 'on' when in the down position.

SW4

This separates the TX and RX coil connections when switched to position 2 and is used when
separate search coils are used for transmitting and receiving, such as to create an even
search field or where magnetic ores are being processed.

SW5

Test button.

SW6

This, when switched 'on', i.e. in the up position, reduces the integrator speed. This facility is
used where belt speeds are slow, such as in the Wood Industry and where noise levels are
high.

5.0

ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD REPLACEMENT

Normally, access to the electronics is not required but if the circuit board requires replacement, the
following procedures must be used.
Turn off the mains supply to the control unit and disconnect all terminal blocks connected to the
base of circuit board by pulling downwards.
Undo the three panel fixing clips by turning a 1/4 turn anti-clockwise.
Undo the five screws holding the two mounting brackets and remove.
Undo the five pillars and three mounting screws. Remove the circuit board and inspect the
enclosure. Remove any foreign material such as loose pieces of metal filings or wire cutting etc.
Install the new circuit board in the reverse procedure of above. Refer to section 4 for testing and
operation.
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6.0

WIRING TO THE CONVEYOR MOTOR CONTACTOR

To stop the conveyor drive motor when metal is detected, connect the Metalarm normally-closed
relay contacts (terminals C and N/C on (TB2)) in series with the conveyor motor contactor, KM1, as in
Figure 9.
After removing the metal, if the system is wired as shown in Fig 9, the conveyor will not restart until
the Metalarm control unit is reset AND the conveyor motor start switch is depressed.

230

TB2

TB1
1

STOP

N/C

START

N/O N/C

KM1

10

N/O N/C

11

12

N/O

SAFETY STOP

KM1
L1
L2

L3
KM1

Figure 9
Note: If the metal detector is operated in fail-safe mode, then the wire connected to pin 1 of TB2
should be moved to pin 3, as the relay will change polarity when power is applied to the control
unit.

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7.0

AUXILIARY RELAY

An auxiliary relay is necessary between the Metalarm Control Unit and the motor starter when the
motor wiring system is a fully three-phase delta with no star-point and uses a motor starter with a
415V coil.
The 415 volt motor starter coil exceeds the maximum voltage rating of the Metalarm output
contacts, which are rated at 250V ac maximum.
An auxiliary relay or small contactor is required for the 415V ac contacts.
An auxiliary relay is also necessary when the plant switchgear is generating electrical interference or
brushes are arcing, or when other electrical noise is being created.
This interference will propagate through the air and may also travel along the conductors in close
proximity to the noise sources. When this occurs, interference will be fed into the Metalarm Control
Unit along the interconnecting wires, and will cause false triggering.
An auxiliary relay in a separate enclosure, external to the Metalarm and separate from the main
switchgear cabinet, will normally isolate the offending interference.
7.1

Auxiliary Relay Wiring

230

TB2

TB1
1

N/C

N/O N/C

10

N/O N/C

11

12

N/O

RL1

RL1

Auxiliary Relay Wiring Diagram

Note: If the metal detector is operated in fail-safe mode, then the wire connected to pin 1 of TB2
should be moved to pin 3, as the relay will change polarity when power is applied to the control
unit.

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8.0

EARTHING OF ASSOCIATED PLANT WHEN FREQUENCY INVERTER SPEED CONTROLS ARE BEING
USED.

Please note that when frequency inverter speed controls are being used in the vicinity of the metal
detector all earth connections must be run independently back to a single star point as shown
below:-

In addition, if filters are being used they should be mounted and connected as shown below:-

INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONNECTING

RFI FILTERS TO HIGH FREQUENCY INVERTER DRIVES
Because of the complex circuit design used in these filters an Earth Leakage Current of 8 to 80mA
may be observed. It is possible that nuisance tripping of extremely sensitive type of ELCBs may
occur so this figure should be considered when choosing such a device.
It is important to provide well defined paths for the high frequency currents involved so, by far the
best results are achieved when both filter and inverter are mounted securely on the same
conducting, earthed backplate and not on rails etc.
Supply Cable
The supply cable should be a stranded conductor and not a solid conductor type to achieve
proper connection inside the terminal block, also cable lengths inside the wiring cabinet should be
kept to a minimum i.e. cable entry to filter and filter to inverter. This will reduce the effect of
radiated emissions back into the input cables.

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Motor Cable
Since the cable between the inverter and motor is a major source of radiated and conducted
interference, it should be a screened type and as short as possible with the screen and safety earth
core connected directly to the bonded earth post at one end and to the motor earth at the other.
Never connect only one end of the screen to earth as this can be detrimental. (Pig tail effect). It is
strongly recommended that the conducting cores (not the earth or screen) are threaded through,
or, if possible, wound around an output cable filter choke as shown.

Earthing
The point here is to clearly define the paths through which high frequency earth currents flow, and
thereby minimise their harmful effect on other nearby, sensitive devices. All earthing leads, including
filter earth, inverter earth and screened cable earths, should be as short as possible and securely
fastened to the bonded backboard earth post - poor connections and loops of cable will act as
aerials and pick up stray radiated emissions.
Separation
Keep the separation of the input and output cables as great as possible to prevent feedback. Input
and motor output cables should never be run together in the same trunking or conduit.

Control Cables
The control cables to the inverter or any other equipment in the vicinity are obviously highly
susceptible to radiated emissions in the same way and should also never be run along side motor
output cables.
Multiple Inverters
Where more than one inverter is used, for effective suppression, it is preferable that a separate filter
should be used for each inverter.

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9.0

SUGGESTIONS FOR TROUBLE SHOOTING ENVIRONMENTAL INTERFERENCE

The Metalarm Control Unit generates a high frequency alternating field within and near the sensor
coil. While the field is strongest on the sensor coil face or in the throat of the sensor coil, it is inherent
in the sensor coil design that a certain amount of the field exists outside of the sensor coil. Certain
environmental conditions may sometimes affect this alternating field causing false and erratic
signals.
If after installation the unit does not work properly, check for compliance with the following hook-up
and installation details before proceeding to the specific causes of interference.
All cable connections should be tight on the terminal blocks in the control unit. Any sensor coil lead
splice should be soldered and taped.
The power source cables should be isolated from varying inductive loads and should be run in a
separate conduit.
The control unit should have a good electrical ground connection.
In certain locations more than one problem may exist and the problems may be interrelated.
Observing the installation site and the operation of the metal detector for repeating symptoms is
very helpful in isolating the causes of the problems.
Correlating malfunctioning occurrences is invaluable for environmental interference trouble
shooting. Observe whether interference occurs at certain specific times and in conjunction with
specific activity.
Observe whether interference occurs when operated by certain personnel or only after physical
change of the environment.
Use the following to help diagnose problems and problem sources and to implement corrective
measures.
Basically environmental interference may be classified into four types, as described below:
9.1

Movement of Metal

Large masses of metal such as shaker screens, metal deflection plates, vehicles etc. may affect
metal detector operation even when at a considerable distance from the sensor coil.
Other smaller masses of moving metal when sufficiently close to the search unit may also cause false
trips.
Interference may exist outside of the room or building and be hidden from operators view, such as
vehicular traffic in an alley next to the building wall or a chain conveyor below or above the floor, or
moving metal objects in an adjacent room.
Corrective Measures
Secure moving metal objects or remove them altogether if possible, or replace with a non
metallic material. Re-route vehicular traffic.
Place a metal shield securely fastened and stationary between the sensor and the source of
interference. Place a shield as close to moving object as possible. The size of the shield will
depend on the size of the moving object.
Install the metal detector in another location free from interference sources.
9.2

Intermittent loops of metal surrounding the sensor (Shorted Turns)

A source of interference, which is difficult to recognise, is that of the shorted turn. A shorted turn is
formed by metal pieces forming a complete path in an orientation around or near the sensor.
If this is intermittent, as in the case of two pieces of conduit occasionally touching together, the
detector will trip each time the conduits make or break connections. The intermittence may be
caused by physical deflection or vibration of equipment, and by expansion or contraction of metal
due to temperature changes.
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MA3000

The effect of the 'shorted turn' is that of a secondary 'coil' or 'turn' coupled to the metal detector
sensor coil. The varying load of this secondary 'coil' when it makes or breaks is reflected to the sensor
coil tripping the control unit.
The following metal objects may be part of or form a 'shorted turn' by themselves: metal framework,
pipes, conduit, flexible conduit, guard railing, metal catwalks, conveyor rolls, etc.
To determine the existence of a 'shorted turn: switch the metal detector off and disconnect the
sensor lead at the terminal block. This will disconnect the sensor from the control instrument and
there will be no metal detection.
Now, turn the control instrument on again and set gain control to maximum. Run operation under
normal conditions and observe the signal level indicator. If the indicator is stable at this time, it is
most likely that the sensor is picking up a shorted turn. However, the problem may also be a break
on the sensor cable.
Check for breaks at this time and replace the cable if necessary.
If the cable is in good condition search for a 'shorted turn' as described in the following paragraph. If
the level indicator is not stable at this time, the problem is likely to be due to excessive line voltage
fluctuation.
To isolate and correct the 'shorted turn' problem, reconnect the sensor coil and turn off all
surrounding equipment in order to eliminate any vibration.
The level indicator should settle down at this time or at least reduce the number of false trips.
Proceed by tapping on all metal objects, starting near the sensor coil and working out from there, in
order to find where the break point is located. It is suggested that one person watch the level
indicator on the control unit in order to observe any movement while another person is tapping on
metal objects around and near the sensor coil.
In some cases, this may be several feet from the sensor coil. Sudden level indication movement
when a metal object is tapped will indicate the intermittent connection. It may be possible to fix the
problem by insulating or permanently securing this metal to metal connection. For example, in the
case of broken weld, re-weld or in the case of a loose pipe or conduit, re-secure the holders.
9.3

Excessive Line Voltage Fluctuations

Electrical interference may be in the form of line voltage 'spikes' caused on-off varying inductive
loads of electrical equipment on the same power line as the metal detector, or other power lines in
close proximity to the supply line for the metal detector.
Corrective Measures
Use another power line, (without the varying inductive loads) for the metal detector.
Disconnect electrical equipment causing the large inductive loads.
Connect interfering electrical equipment to another power source.
Re-route the power line to the metal detector.
Install a constant voltage transformer (120 va. minimum) between metal detector and power
source.
9.4

Proximity of Severe RF Radiation Sources

Electrical or electronic interference can be radiated into the sensor coil or introduced into the metal
detector from other energy emitting devices such as arcing motors, arc welders, and arcing relay
points.
Corrective Measures
Remove or replace equipment causing interference.
Operate welding equipment only at times when metal detector is not required to operate.
Call the factory service department if unable to arrive at a satisfactory solution. Telephone: + 44 (0)
2920 868501 email: eriez@eriezeurope.co.uk

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MA3000

10.0

MA3000 CE Case Assembly Parts List

1/2

10

9
3/8
5
4/8

Ref No
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10

Description
Case fully fitted
Enclosure 400x300x150 (SS or painted steel)
Indicator Assembly (POWER).
Momentary Illuminated Switch Assembly (DETECT/RESET).
Front Door Wiring Loom
Insulated Mounting Kit
Cable Gland PG11 Brass Filament bulb MBC
Label
Door Key

Qty
1
1
1
1
1
1
As req'd
2
1
1

SEARCH COIL CABLES

Cable Search Coil - 1m
Cable Search Coil - 3m
Cable Search Coil - 5m
Cable Search Coil - 10m
Cable Search Coil - 20m

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1
1
1
1
1

PAGE 21

MA3000

MA3000 CE Electronic Assembly Parts List

21

24

25/27

22

23

29

28

25/26

31
30

33

Ref No
**
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33

Description
Electronic Unit Complete
PTL147A Printed Circuit Board
Front Panel MA3000 CE
Push Latch Arrow 2001
Bargraph Module with plug
Control knob
Plain cap for control knob
Pointer cap for control knob
Relay 4PCO
Fuse T500mA/1A 20mm
Plug 4 way
Plug 6 way
Plug 9 way
Plug 12 way

32

Qty
1
1
1
3
1
3
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1

** Electronic unit comprises - printed circuit board, bargraph module, front panel etc. all mounted on
back plate

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MA3000

11.0

TECHNICAL DATA

POWER SUPPLY

115 230VAC VIA SELECTOR SWITCH 50/60Hz

(24VDC VERSION AVAILABLE ON REQUEST 2A STARTUP CURRENT CAPACITY REQUIRED)

POWER

11W

FUSE

1A 500mA (115/230)

RELAY

4PCO VOLT FREE

250V/5A MAXIMUM RATING

TEMPERATURE

0 TO +50C

MATERIALS

CONTROL UNIT: POWDER COATED STEEL OR STAINLESS STEEL

SENSOR COIL: HDPE (HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE)

SENSOR CABLE

RG58/URM76 50 OHM CO-AXIAL CABLE

IP RATING

IP66 (NEMA 4X)

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